Delhi AQI Today: Residents of Delhi continue to grapple with the air pollution crisis as the capital’s air quality was recorded in the ‘very poor’ category on Monday morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an overall air quality index (AQI) of 366 was recorded on December 22.
A total of 7 out of 39 monitoring stations across the city reported air quality in the ‘severe’ category, while the rest recorded ‘very poor’ levels, according to Sameer CPCB app data at 8:05 am. Narela recorded the worst AQI of 418, while the other six recorded values between 401 and 408 AQI.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert and predicted light fog on Monday with maximum and minimum temperature hovering around 20-22 degree Celsius and 8-10 degree Celsius respectively.
In response to deteriorating and stagnant air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) applied all measures within IV. phases of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. From banning non-essential construction activities and restricting the entry of certain diesel vehicles to increased enforcement aimed at curbing sources of pollution, the authorities have introduced several restrictions under GRAP-IV.
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday reported low visibility due to dense fog that disrupted flight operations. More than 105 flights, including 55 arrivals and 52 departures, were canceled at the Delhi airport due to low visibility conditions. According to a PTI report, more than 450 flights were delayed on December 22.
Delhi Airport issued an advisory to passengers this morning which said, “Delhi airport is undergoing reduced visibility procedures.
Visuals from the Delhi ITO show smog enveloping the state capital.
The effect of toxic smog on health
Discussing the impact of living in “very poor” air quality, internal medicine specialist Dr S. Chatterjee, speaking to ANI, said: “The number of patients reporting to hospitals and clinics… has really increased substantially. People are coming in with runny noses, sneezing, stuffy noses, coughs, shortness of breath, increased asthma attacks, bronchitis and people with underlying lung disease or interstitial lung disease.”
The doctor attributed the rise in seasonal illness cases to abysmal air quality, adding: “Normally, we have a better ability to fight these changes during the change of season. But the numbers have really increased this time… The city’s residents and the government must act in unison to control pollution.”
